The CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers announced that they have reached a 12-year agreement to name their new sports and entertainment venue Investors Group Field. The facility is expected to open next summer with a seating capacity of 33,500 that is expandable to 40,000 (Blue Bombers). In Winnipeg, Adam Wazny notes financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but sources indicated that the club “was looking for at least $500,000 per year" (all figures Canadian) for naming rights. But Blue Bombers Chief Transition Officer Jeff Thompson, who is in charge of moving the team into the new venue, “wouldn't confirm that figure or expand on what Investors Group is on the hook for” (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, 12/15). The GLOBE & MAIL’s Scott Edmonds notes the stadium “is currently expected to cost a relatively modest” $190M and “be open in time for the 2012 CFL season.” The venue will also “be home to the University of Manitoba Bisons.” Winnipeg-based Investors Group “was founded in 1926, and is now part of the IGM Financial Inc. group of companies, which together have around $121-billion in assets under management.” Winnipeg-based hotel chain Canad Inns “had the naming rights to the old field.” Thompson said that he “expects they will continue to have a sponsorship relationship with the football team in some fashion” (GLOBE & MAIL, 12/15).
